Happiful April 2021

wellbeing
TOP TIPS FOR THOSE STRUGGLING TO SWITCH OFF
1. Move away from your
computer, phone, or whatever
activity it is that’s taking all of
your attention, and take a short
walk outside or simply move to
a window and watch the world
go by for a while. A different
sensory experience helps to make
a change to how you process
emotions, and will hopefully have
benefits such as relaxation.
2. Practise meditation and
deep-breathing techniques.
3. Use self-hypnosis to calm the
autonomic nervous system, and
use picture imagery to transport
yourself to other realms – be it
nature, or whatever your fabulous
imagination can conjure.
Immerse yourself while listening
to relaxation music.
Q
With everything
that’s happening
right now, I’m
struggling to relax.
Do you have any
suggestions to help me
switch off?
AFor most of us, we never
even considered we would
have to deal with long periods
of isolation, which is outside
of our control – or so we think.
Perhaps we don’t have control
over a pandemic, but we do have
control within our own sphere of
influence. Our mind and breath
are the best places to start.
Switch off all devices, make
yourself comfortable by either
sitting up straight or lying
down, and take your focus
to your breathing. Breathe in
and out to a ratio of 4:6, while
repeating words such as ‘calm’,
‘relax’, or ‘peace’. Do this until
your breathing feels even and
rhythmic, and the body/mind has
responded to your command.
Listening to soothing music,
doodling, using colouring-in
books, going for a walk, doing
gentle yoga, or sleeping, can all
help you to relax. Remember
– you get to choose how you
respond. You have more control
than you think!
happiful.com | April 2021 | 45